FSU's new football coach says 'Go Noles' upon arriving in Tallahassee

During halftime of Florida State's basketball game against Loyola (Md.), fans were able to hear from new football coach Willie Taggart.

Now it's Taggart's turn to lead the Seminoles, succeeding the man who succeeded Bowden. It's no secret that FSU's 2018 signing class has fallen apart during the uncertainty surrounding Jimbo Fisher's future, and Taggart made it clear that his first order of business will be trying to "salvage" what he can from this class.

According to some, the former Ducks head coach was not completely honest with his intent.

As Mullens noted during his news conference on Tuesday, Taggart's handling of his exit "got clumsy at the end". The Seminoles have appeared in 36 consecutive bowl games.

The Seminoles defeated USF 55-35 in Taggart's past year in Tampa.

"I feel like we have to come together as a team and focus on this bowl game and not let the whole coaching situation take us down", safety Brady Breeze said Tuesday. "You gotta be kidding me".

After Taggart said publicly that he was contacted by FSU over the weekend, OR linebacker Troy Dye said Taggart lied "straight" to his dad's face.

Now he is their leader.

He has a 47-50 overall record as a head coach.

OR went 7-5 during the regular season, as the Ducks lost starting quarterback Justin Herbert for five games. That's when the legendary Bobby Bowden first took over in Tallahassee.

Taggart said he had "a profound moment" during a conversation with his 16-year-old son while he was considering whether to uproot his family again in less than a year.

"I'm very, very excited to be your football coach", Taggart told the crowd.

"Don't be afraid to chase your dreams", Taggart said. Prior to that, he spent four seasons at Alabama as the assistant head coach and offensive line coach, helping the Crimson Tide to the CFP National Championship following the 2015 season. But he embraces the challenge.